WOLVES have managed to snare one of their main summer transfer targets in prolific striker Freddy Eastwood – despite a late hitch as Charlton tried to hijack the deal.

Southend chairman Ron Martin last night confirmed the club had “reluctantly” agreed to sell their hottest property to Wolves, after a dramatic day of claim and counter-claim.

Having improved their own bid to the minimum #2million which Southend were demanding, Wolves were allowed to talk to Eastwood, who subsequently passed a medical and agreed personal terms with a view to signing a four-year contract.

Wolves announced that news yesterday afternoon, but almost immediately Charlton came back to improve their own offer from the initial #1.5million plus #500,000 should they secure an immediate return to the Premiership.

That prompted Martin to suggest Wolves had jumped the gun, insisting he had not agreed to accept the offer amid Charlton’s renewed interest.

But after more negotiation between him and Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey, the Molineux men won the day and pushed through the deal, which features a number of clauses including a 25 per cent sell on fee.

“Freddy has been an integral part of our success but the time had come for him to move on,” said Martin.

And Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson was full of praise for a player who will bring an excellent goalscoring record - 65 goals in three seasons at Roots Hall - to Molineux.

“Freddy has done a fantastic job for the club and has been instrumental in our rise through the leagues,” said Tilson. “He wants to play at a higher level, with a side that could be pushing for the Premier League next season, and we have done the right thing in letting him progress his career.”

Before the last-gasp shenanigans Moxey had revealed how Wolves had been on Eastwood’s trail throughout the summer.

“We have been in pursuit of Freddy Eastwood since the end of last season and have had ongoing negotiations with Southend United chairman Ron Martin," said Moxey. “The financial details of the bids we make for players are confidential, however, we are pleased to have agreed transfer terms with Ron.

“We are also delighted to report that following discussions, and a medical, with Freddy at Molineux, we have now agreed personal terms.”

From the time Wolves’ interest emerged, Eastwood had indicated he would welcome a move to Molineux, which includes the chance to be reunited with former Southend team-mate Michael Kightly.

The 23-year-old follows Matt Jarvis and Darren Ward as Mick McCarthy’s third summer signing, but the Wolves manager is far from finished.

Leicester boss Martin Allen yesterday revealed he had rejected a Wolves bid for former Walsall striker Matty Fryatt, reportedly around the #900,000 mark.

And McCarthy retains an interest in Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott, whom he took to Wearside from Manchester City, but that pursuit may yet be put on the backburner.